Petro Zheji (1929–2015) ranks among Albania’s most distinguished translators. During the communist era, he helped introduce major works of world literature to Albanian readers, alongside prominent translators such as Mitrush Kuteli, Jusuf Vrioni, Klio Evangjeli and Vedat Kokona. His translations covered a wide range of literary traditions, including German, Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Scandinavian literature.

Born in Gjirokastër, Zheji studied mathematics and physics before working as a teacher, translator and editor for the publishing houses “8 Nëntori” and “Naim Frashëri” in Tirana. His extensive body of work includes translations of Goethe’s The Sorrows of Young Werther, Cervantes’ Don Quixote, John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath and H. G. Wells’ The Invisible Man. Publisher Mehmet Gëzhilli has estimated that Zheji’s published translations may total around 13,000 pages. He also helped American translator Kathleen Schank bring the testimony of Father Zef Pllumi into English.

After the fall of communism, Zheji pursued independent research into the Albanian language. His studies included Albanian and Sanskrit and The Messianic Role of the Albanian Language, in which he advanced unconventional theories about the language’s origins and symbolic significance. However, linguist and writer Ardian Vehbiu later described these theories as outside mainstream linguistic discourse and lacking support from other linguists. Zheji also left behind manuscripts, including an autobiography and studies on Albanians imprisoned in psychiatric hospitals.

Despite the debate surrounding his linguistic theories, Zheji left a lasting mark on Albanian translation and intellectual life. The President of Albania awarded him the title “Honor of the Nation” in recognition of his contribution. A neighbourhood library in Tirana also bears his name. When he died on March 14, 2015, senior state officials paid tribute to his legacy.